What Tsuba Ring, Tsuka-maki Wrapping, and Sageo String Are Really For

[@LetsaskShogo]

Everyone, thank you so much for celebrating our 100K subscribers! I will be posting two videos about our "new challenges" as soon as possible, so I hope you can look forward to it! ・ In this channel, you can take a closer look at Japanese traditional culture, tips upon traveling to Kyoto, and social problems in Japan. So learners and lovers of Japanese language and culture, be sure to subscribe to enjoy more content! Please check out the description box for more videos recommended for you! Thank you again very much for watching!

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

another use of the Sageo could/would have been to tie up your sleeves when doing manual labor/fighting, that they dont interfere negatively. (Tasuki)

[@suprematiccube7072]

Maybe it is worth showing the audience, how to first turn the sword in order to position with mune up, before removing it from the sai? After all, if an inexperienced person, after watching your video, begins to draw the sword, as you show, when the thumb is over the ha, pushing the tsuba, he risks splitting his finger in two parts.

[@suprematiccube7072]

@@seikibrian8641 Yes, "saya", i made a mistake in the transcription. I didn't think about gravity, and I'm not sure if it presses so hard, besides, sword will be pulled up, but okay. Beginner can turn the sword to the side, with the blade away from body. The main thing is that the video does not mention the danger and someone has already run to cut theirs thumbs. Hopefully someone reads these comments first.

[@schrodingersgat4344]

Great video! Very informative. Your love of the subject shows through. I look forward to watching your other content.

[@ravoniesravenshir3926]

I think the Sageo might have been all of those things, and more... maybe even used as a Garrot to stealthily take down enemies.

[@New2Kendo]

My understanding of the Sageo (Edo period I believe) is it was used to tie back the sleeves of the Kimono since they hung down, and could get in the way in a fight. Of course this comes from James Williams and my school of Nami Ryu, which it may be specifc to, as each school has its own idiosyncrasies. It is also shown for that use in allot of Chambara cinema, so that use may have some historical accuracy

[@Yuriel1981]

This was my understanding as well.

[@roninwolf3347]

I use it during storing to tie down the blade into the sheath for safety reasons. The blade cannot slip out of the sheath

[@sethdusith6093]

How do you tie back the sleeves with a Rope attached to the saya? Do you take it out?

[@New2Kendo]

@@roninwolf3347 I do as well

[@New2Kendo]

@@sethdusith6093 you would remove the Sageo from the Saya then use it to tie back your sleeves. I will lookup a movie and link it here

[@Laarye]

I remember older samurai movies where the Sageo were used to tie up the sleeves. However, you tend to see more people or characters use it like that without actually carrying a sword. Also, using it to tie the sleeves, would leave you unable to tie the scabbard to the belt.

[@sevenproxies4255]

Using a mekugi makes a lot of practical sense. Any stress on the sword is going to go against the grain of the mekugi, so it's very unlikely to split or break. BUT if it does break, then it's likely it will break before other parts if the swordhandle would. Which is probably done on purpose. I know for example in some machinery that face stress, we like to use softer metals for some parts (like brass) because during maintenance it's easier to repair if the brass parts get worn and break before any of the steel parts do. I'd imagine that Japanese sword smiths thought in a similar way. Better the mekugi breaks if the sword takes a hit, rather than the entire handle splitting open because you made a mekugi out of steel.

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

The handle is tied (tsuka-maki) exactly because of it. Having a steel tang inside a wooden handle will eventually split the wood apart. Mekugi had nothing to do with it. A metal rivet wouldn't be easy to remove.

[@AdamOwenBrowning]

Thank you for this information!

[@KurokkuSama]

Now that I think about the uses of the Sageo... It could be also used to tie up the sheath to the horses' straps, so the samurais that used to go in horse to the battlefield could draw their sword quickly while going directly to the enemy or to hold it for long distances trips... So the sword also won't fall while the samurai was on his horse... Well that's my theory...

[@finns23653]

Rope is one of the most useful and versatile tools humanity has ever had.... It literally has thousands of practical uses and it was even more useful in the past.... Perhaps the sageo was kind of like how some ppl wear a Paracord bracelet today.... Samurai knew that they might need something like a rope for any number of uses and found a convenient and stylish way to carry some with them

[@mscottdowning9682]

I lived in Japan for two years. Your shows bring back those years of enjoyment.

[@kingloucifur8086]

I've have a theory that the Sageo could have been used to identify a Samurai that has fallen in battle or a general kind of identifier. The colour and shape of the knot could signify the owner to those familiar with it.

[@TheEthanEdge]

maybe if they lost their armour and sword.

[@susanroberts7492]

Beautiful! I am thoroughly enjoying learning iaido myself! 5 months in and learning the first four seitei kata along with all the etiquette and how to wear gi properly. It's a wonderful experience! I love it! Thanks, Shogo!

[@KaptainCanuck]

It is a dogi or keikogi, not simply "ki" (it is -ki if there is no word before it like KImono and -gi with a word before it). Even a hakam is dogi/keikogi in a sense.

[@carraosborne1621]

This is very educational to Starter Samurai fans like me, it actualy helped me learn more about the Katana i actualy have a Kimono, hakama ,gee set

[@thelivingcat0210]

Thank you for referencing other schools’s use of the sageo. The my Sensei explained it to me that the sageo in ancient times, was tied like how jikiden ties it, just gone around many more times, so there is no loose sageo. That way, the saya is secured in place, and doesn’t move as much

[@ToNzHoLtZ]

Thank you for sharing I am learning a lot, I been wanting to own a Katana my whole life, I have finally bought 2 and I absolutely love the Katana. I also practice with your instruction, again thank you. Peace and love from North Bay, Ontario, Canada.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

I always learn new things on this channel. Each video brings me one step closer to being a samurai.

[@Deathbringer99699]

Hosh!!

[@nielsandersen6164]

Awesome video. I learned more about the construction of the Katana in these 25min than the previous 25years. Thank you.

[@icemaiden9534]

im loving the way you present the videos as the information is broken up into bite sized segemnts making it easier to absorb and understand the information.

[@davidl5452]

Thank you for another informative video. I love how the katana, along with Europe swords, evolved over the years from tools to functional works of art.

[@amazin1219]

This man is the only reason i bought a katana.

[@jameslatief1]

Well deserved 100k subs! High quality videos every other day, it's no surprise he's able to hit the goal this April ( 9 months early).

[@JerryListener]

This is now my favourite channel of... EVER!! Thank you so much for educating this gaijin!!

[@giacomobianchi5412]

Awesome video, shogo. I would suggest you to try tying the sageo to the bottom end of the saya, at the distance of a fist from the very end, in the fashion of a bow for exemple. In this way i find it easier to carry on the back, like small sack. Nice video again and keep it up! I would finally ask you to make a thorough video on tsuba holes' purposes, as i found it's really hard to discover any sufficient information on the subject. Thank you a LOT if you read this and decide to explain this apparent mistery. Ciao from Italy!

[@hexsplays]

You're so fluent in English with clear accent. Japanese officers from our company have strong Japanese accent which makes it hard for me to understand what they speak most of the time. By the way, you explained the topic very well. That deserves a thumbs up.

[@TenchiBushi]

As usual you do great work! I was taught that the sageo was used as a multi tool more often. 2 occasions at my hombu dojo in Noda-shi, that the sageo had been used to restrain an opponent. Hello from Aomori!

[@amedeus40k]

Thank you for the educational video from an American. I found the video very interesting, and I learned a lot. Medieval Japan, and it's history is incredibly fascinating. Again, Domo Arigato

[@TheRealViking]

Thank you! I am learning with each of your videos.

[@BustinBenny]

As a former student of Iaido thank you for the review. Some things I remember and some things I didn't know. Thanks again.

[@lucaebasta63]

Thank you Yamaguchi "masuta" for sharing your knowledge of your amazing culture. I am writing to you from Italy and I am a lover of your country. I'm trying to finish an ambitious process: to create a completely handmade wooden katana and your explanations have been invaluable. I think this will be "blasphemous" for you, but it is impossible for me, to create a katana out of steel. I will continue to follow you on your channel, and maybe who knows one day I will be able to come to Japan. Thank you so much. Ciao, Luca.

[@adamjensin4993]

Wish i could sign in your schools. I love Japanese's culture soo much. May every one reach thier dreams☺️

[@Boertje247]

I bought a chefs knife from Shigehara in Kyoto. Best knife ever, hand forged by 11th generation knife master. He also had some swords in various stages of manufacture, which was very fascinating. Amazing how much info Shigehara could impart without speaking English, or me speaking Japanese. Wonderful experience.

[@ZX-Gear]

Yeah. I never noticed the ura or otome knots at the end of the tsuka maki till looking up vids on how to tie a tsuka Maki knot. This was very educational and made me realize how much practical use various parts of the katana have and how they weren't just for looks.

[@triol13]

Shogo-san, thank you for the explaining of the parts of the Katana. Very well done and in a way every one can understand.

[@garydell2023]

Shogo-san Arigato. I always learn something watching you.

[@Joshua_Shadow_Manriguez]

All this stuff about Samurai is making me want to rewatch Drifters and maybe hear your thoughts on Toyohisa's fighting technique.

[@robertcurrie1160]

Congratulations on 100k ! 👍

[@Dark_Mind6439]

More like congrats on almost getting 200k ! 👍

[@amuplay2302]

69th like :D

[@sfkingalpha]

@@Dark_Mind6439 more like 300k

[@robertocortez8087]

436k now

[@thebadingandthemukhangmama2216]

644k subs congrats 🎉

[@SjefSjaakie]

love this video, could you perhaps make a video entirely centered around the meanings of tsuba desings, i think it's a really interesting subject but can't find anything about it besides this video.

[@GeoffreyGlasgow]

Shogo has taught me everything about the katana. I have been a fan of the katana for a long time. When I was living in the state of California, I dreamt about having a katana in my hands and learning how to use it like a samurai.

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

appreciate that you actually held the sageo in your mouth for demonstration. Some samurai shorts made by foreigners said old time samurai would tie their enemy's head with the sageo to carry back to camp (now unsure if that happened), but I guess there's really not much special about an emergency rope. really enjoyed your video! Incredible art that you practice!

[@Elmojomo]

he did not. look again.

[@ooXChrissieXoo]

@@Elmojomo okay

[@jantravis4616]

I really appreciate you talking about the katana . It made me take a look at mine. I have a black wooden one to practice with and the other one is a real sword with a pink sheath . Arigato on the lesson on the katana. I'm glad you did one from Demon Slayer 😈

[@ralaci007]

I started learning Katori Shinto Ryu recently at a local school, your videos are great supplements to the teachings. Thank you for sharing!

[@mst2203]

That katana with the musashi style tsuba is beautiful! Pretty hamon and polish.

[@frankcowan6625]

I just have swords and one is a katana. Buy I can't get enough of you and your friends and your information. Thanks!!!!

[@Cruznick06]

Thank you so much for these videos. I have always been very interested in katana and wakazashi but it can be difficult to find accurate information in English. I especially like that you have subtitles and clearly explain the Japanese names of each part.

[@lsporter88]

Very thorough explanation. Thank you. You're actually kind of a Smooth Dude. Great video.

[@a.N.....]

I hope you enjoyed your time living in Michigan! And the wonderful nature of our landscape reminds you of home.

[@pyros.]

This is great! I'm making a few katanas for a 3d character and really wanted to understand each part of it to ground it as much as possible to reality. I did a lot of research and never found any mention of the shark leather, so that was awesome to find out about!

[@chrisbradbury9350]

Thank you for making this video. I train iaido in Australia and liked your demonstration of Mei.

[@sethlifelong4250]

Great job Shogo Your Kata was good. I have been watching other mae katas but this one showed me all the movements at a good speed. No need to be embarassed. According to musashi you are merely researching the way. Well done!

[@michaeldavis4880]

Thank you for the lessons on the Katana. Very informative and interesting.

[@dreamscapedg2774]

Your mastery of personality is as impressive as your knowledge of the art, and the science of the culture. Great to watch you! I appreciate and respect your discipline, and the smoothness of your style of communication. Very thoughtful, concise explanations, and you make the learning fun. Truly masterful, Shogosan!

[@marcooliveira9335]

Thank you for presenting this in such an easy way to understand. I very much appreciate your time and kindness for sharing it.

[@erichusayn]

Very, very good video. Learned quite a bit. I respect you and your videos cuz the sword is not just a hobby for you, you actually live it.

[@joubinlee3944]

I take Iaido myself, that was pretty well done, any flaws I will assume are differences in styles between yours and mine, very well done blood draw slash (where you let the blood shake and drip off your blade to prevent corrosion and keep it clean and neat) that stood out most to me. Good work keep it up!

[@Lishamisha22]

Didn’t know about the balancing function of the tsuba or for it bringing prosperity. Thanks Shogo!

[@joshuapaul359]

When using the sageo to carry on your back, tie it to the base of the sheath. It makes it much more stable.

[@ezt_gamer3408]

You make so interesting videos I'm so big fan of japanese history and weapons

[@rickmiles3242]

Hello my friend, how are you? I am a new subscriber. I have been taking Shotokan Karate since I was very young, about eight years old, I am 40 now. I have a deep appreciation for Japanese Martial Arts and culture, it's very close to my heart. You are so thorough and so professional and your videos are so well executed. Just perfect!! You are a great teacher my friend Shogo, and I just wanted to let you know how very much I appreciate you, your videos, and all the time and work and effort you put into it all. Bless you dear Shogo, and your family, and stay safe!! Thank you so much again!!!

[@vanarzyksianardeamnis3078]

I'm so happy that you reached 100k subs!!! You earned them

[@M1Tommy]

My congratulations to you for the goal of viewers. Your video was really good, with very nice, informative, and organized video descriptions. Lastly, thank you for sharing your Iaido kata. There is "so much" in these kata. Yours is very smooth. Sincerely......

[@oberonking471]

Well Done! Seriously, great concise detail…

[@kitsunekierein7253]

In English, the metal part that passes through the handle is called a Tang. Saying metal part confused me for a minute until I realized you were talking about the Tang. Im new to the channel, but im definitely subscribing! These videos are so fascinating and educational! My area of knowledge and experience is more in the European bastard sword and the warhammer, but i love learning about the weapons and martial arts from around the world. I know basically nothing about the Japanese martial system, and have only a passing familiarity with more iconic Japanese weapons like the katana, wakizashi, Tonto, and naginata. I love how well-spoken and knowledgeable you are! Keep it up, stranger friend! 😊

[@teeprice7499]

All of your videos are very well-made and instructive.

[@zargonfuture4046]

Thank you for such an informative introduction to the katana. And let me applaud you on your English, you speak English better than most English first language speakers. Congratulations on attaining your goal of 100000 subscribers.

[@handydandy8094]

Thank you so much for an awesome video and great job on your journey I studied some traditional jujitsu and we have a hand to hand beginner kata that mirrors your kata and I was greatly impressed with your focus precision and discipline. 🙏 Fantastic content thank you for this authentic glimpse of this history culture and practice!

[@kronos01ful]

I love this Chanel 😀❤. You are very informative and simple to understand. Very entertaining. Great Job! I love Japan!!!

[@philipdow5463]

Very interesting I especially like the bit at the end in your living room Thank you

[@crowjedi]

I'm really enjoying the channel, and the insights you bring. I also appreciate how you show the written word and how to pronounce key words for each video. I find it very helpful as I am currently learning Japanese.

[@GlizzyAssassin]

Just looked up how to wrap a sword handle for the one I'm making my son just to find a ol michigander! Great video

[@luiseninool7148]

Thank you so much Shogo for the time you take, the effort to research and edit your videos , I really enjoy watching and learning ...Greetings from Peru !

[@osavor579]

I never knew about the hidden meaning on the tsuba so cool! I love the videos!

[@ShadowPuppet3001]

great video, after seeing your video you are a true ninja master, and I like watching your videos...

[@alexanderg7677]

Thank you! I was searching such information after beating Sekiro first time. Now i have to view all your videos before next runs :)

[@tgood5527]

I noticed I keep watching your videos since I decided to subscribe, thanks for the helpful information you’re a knowledgeable guy.

[@fonzievarata607]

I thought the Sageo was used to tie the sleeves back and out of the way, for the longest time. But I'm honestly not sure, always liked the look of the sleeves being tied back.

[@lizc6645]

Yep Katana are beautiful 🥰. My family watched a documentary on how they are made. It was very fascinating.

[@greysun3637]

Ive read about spies using the tsuba as a step up a wall with the sageo in their mouth to pull it up. Saw it in the Bansenshukai so not TOO sure how common it was amongst samurai... Really appreciate all of the information you share!🤘🏽

[@RJH_LIL]

Maybe your goal should be 150,000 subscribers by 2022 instead. Congrats on your milestone 👏

[@varisleek3360]

im from the future, hes almost there

[@cameronbeck7238]

@@varisleek3360 thanks for the tip bro

[@cameronbeck7238]

I’m also from the future and he’s made it

[@ausgamer529]

@@cameronbeck7238 he is past it!!!

[@ddcll9538]

This guy is so intense and I love it.

[@alexanderholguin4696]

Seems like you reached your goal twice in less time than expected , congrats!!

[@oz3578]

I have been waiting for a channel like this for a long time, an other great video. Thank you for your detail and explaining.

[@somekriegsoldier2561]

I'm watch you from Spain, in Europe, and i have to say that i love your youtube channel. Keep it up, you have a new suscriber!

[@brutallyhonest8854]

Very informative great video I enjoy the way you explain all aspects of the Katana well done 👍

[@joeperez3520]

Congratulations on reaching 100K subscribers.

[@recoverinyankee6458]

@Let's Ask Shoo, this video is excellent. Thank you. You taught us well, with respect to the three main sword parts. However, you forgot to mention the fourth sword part; the blade.

[@annaannabella1236]

V.E.R.Y. interesting. Especially the ending demonstrations. Thanks

[@nektariostournatzis4248]

Congratulations for your video.i love learn more and more for japan

[@coolworms7297]

i haven't practiced kenjutsu since i was a child, but this makes me want to take it up again.

[@robertcurrie1160]

Thank you Shogo I learn so much from your videos ! 👌 ✌️

[@Nurelius]

Hey Shogo, great video as always :-D As a foreign kendō, iaidō (also ZNKRIB but MSR), and jōdō practitioner living in Japan, I'm always especially interested in your budō-related content. I'd never heard of quite a few of your points (such as some people thinking the tsuba is intended for balancing the sword, or others thinking the sageo is a back-up tsukamaki). Keep up the good work!

[@MesiterSode]

100 000 subscribers reached! 🙌🎊

[@anas-432]

Great video! Always love these types of videos.

[@franciscocastillo1863]

Man I learn a lot about the katana,and I love it much more,is a weapon with a lot of tecnology on my point of view

[@aldwinvelasco2880]

that was very clear, i am holding my katana as i am watching ur vid, and i am happy about the samegawa, turns out mine it real too.

[@kimemerson5732]

Thank you for this video; as always I have learned very much from you! CONGRATULATIONS on your 100,000 subscribers, you accomplished this so fast!! Hugs to your beautiful family!

[@johnnythirtheen2970]

Harigato.... greets from the Netherlands

[@zathrasnotzathras655]

I’m a former iaido student. This video expands on what my instructor taught me about these components. Thank you. What do you study? I studied Musho Shinden Ryu. Miss it very much.

Because of how he ties his sageo I would guess MJER. xD

[@zathrasnotzathras655]

@ good point. Thanks, Nicolás.

[@ostrowulf]

Great video explaining some things. Not a big katana fan, but I do enjoy learning about it (as in real stuff, not that it mythicly slices through all forms of matter). It is an interesting sword with a long and fascinaying history.

[@aleksandarradovanovic0802]

Very good explanations, as usual. Thank you 😊👍🙏

[@kjrodriguez835]

Great lesson, learned much, answered many questions I had, thank you.

[@samurai352]

That brings back memories from when I was studying Iaido!😊 ☯️🐉👨‍🦽

[@criticalerror121]

What a great content! Thank you for your videos 🙏

[@derekhudson3415]

Just got my katana in the mail tonight and had so many questions lol thanks.